Project for giant energy facilities approved

Project for giant energy facilities approved

Tirana, 2 March 07 (AENews) - Land Management Committee of Albania approved today a development plan for an energy complex facilities in Vjosa coast in the south, Prime Minister’s Office announced.

Three land plots totaling 2.1mn SQM will be used for the construction of a thermo power plant, oil storage, re-gasification facilities and pipeline terminals.

"This is an ambitious project which will supply Albania with cheap electricity and will open jobs", Prime Minister Sali Berisha said.

First project to be build is a privately owned gas powered thermal power plant, electricity interconnection line with Italy and other energy related facilities. The project will be carried out by ASG power, a Swiss based consortium, which has said intends to invest up to USD 2.3 billion.

Works are expected to start this year and the first stage of the project will be complete in 2009. New thermal power plant will use imported liquefied gas and will turn Albania into an important power producer in the Balkans.